Low Calorie Waffle Delight 275 Calories

The other day we had a breakfast dessert dinner! Yep, Breakfast, dessert, & dinner in ONE! HAHA! I had a major sweet-tooth and peanut butter, waffles, bananas, and chocolate chips all sounded delightful! Although, I wanted something filling for dinner, as I was very hungry! Well, it hit the spot! I was so full halfway through that I didn't even eat it all! No, i'm not kidding! You have to try it! It was delicious! The whole concoction is valued at 275 calories! You could make it lower calorie by purchasing healthier waffles, I used what I had... and it was yummy!

For FULL ARTICLE.., click READ MORE on main page!

Nightstand Makeover

Last week while bargain hunting.. yes, when I found the cute clock! I also found a nightstand that needed some tender.loving.care! Not really classifiable as an antique.. well, actually I guess it could be! It is so crazy how we can look at products and think to ourselves, man that is so outdated and old, and then look back at memories & talk about how it feels like yesterday! I love old stuff though! I get that passion from my grandmother! My Granny always looked around for and decorated with antiques. I loved spending time with her and learning about the old days. That may actually be the reasoning behind me getting a degree in Anthropology! I love studying old stuff! This nightstand was just an easy flip that I couldn't turn down. I painted it with chalk paint. I made my own, but also recommend Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. And I added a few knobs that I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I painted the handle to match the new knobs. I will be adding several more pieces in the upcoming week. It is rainy here, so no painting for me at the moment. Feel free to leave pics in the comment section of your projects that you are working on or have completed. I love to see that others are getting crafty & turning trash to treasure!

The Before

The After

Paint Color:

Soft Mint - Behr - Home Decorators Collection

Carrot Patch Dirt Cake!

Okay. So, i'm a bit late uploading this recipe. I created this scrumptious recipe for this past Easter. It was a BIG hit! YAY! It was simple and fun to make! I will definitely be making it again in the Fall! The Strawberry's could also pass for "Pumpkins" ;) and that will go great for Halloween and Thanksgiving! I may also get my nieces and nephews to help.. or possibly Timmy :) I will also buy some of the cute white picket fences from the craft store and put those on the front of my casserole dish to decorate it up a bit. You should definitely give this a try! It would be super cute at a baby's first birthday or a baby shower! Let me know if you make this dish and if you have any suggestions! :)

-Lelu

For FULL ARTICLE.., click READ MORE on main page!

Oh Sweet SUMMER!

OMGoodness! I am inlove with the BodyGlove Swimwear and beach gear! I'm more getting more and more excited each day, as my jeans are getting looser! YAY! Check out the site if you haven't already! Cute suits and great prices!

BodyGlove Video

LOVE these bottoms! Click here to see details!

And this top! Cute! Click to access site!

Here comes SUMMER!

I am really looking forward to summer this year :) 

sooo.. i'm shopping early!

These are definite beach must haves!

You can find these items by clicking the links below :)

Bikini Link - click here!
Sandals / Flip Flops - click here!
Shorts - Click here!
Cute Top - Click here!

Success

Success.

How do we measure it?

? Job. Education. Social. ?

Well, I struggle with this aspect of life each and every day.

Where will tomorrow lead me?

I know that I am doing all I can at the moment

&&& I am so proud of myself.

Women are strong.

We do so much & get little praise.

I created a few motivational pictures for me & you.

As always, they are free to save, print, share, and pin!

Enjoy!

Easter Sunday

We had such a blessed Easter Sunday! Spending time with family and friends is one of our main priorities. We spent our day with Timmy's side of the family. I made a "Dirt Pudding Carrot Patch" cake and it was a hit! YAY! We had a wonderful meal and will have fond memories of all the special moments. We love watching the kiddos run around full of life and love. Our cousin's daughter was telling us how she had won a prize for knowing a bible verse, I love hearing things like that. So many people are not teaching children about religion and it breaks my heart! Easter is so much more than candy, Easter eggs, and toys. I will treat my children with egg hunts, Easter baskets, and such.. but they will also know about our savior. We are all so blessed, and we have the one above to thank for that! While visiting my mother-in-laws later during the evening, we looked out upon the pond. It was so peaceful! Nature is so lovely, nothing like ending an Easter day with the feeling of being blessed. The photo above shares my view and I love the bible verse upon it. Feel free to save and print, it is free :)

I hope you all had a blessed day and I love you all! 

- Lelu

Easter Sunday

I hope that you have all had a very blessed weekend thus far!

Timmy and I have had a blessed Saturday. Spent time watching some shows on television together and went to Jim n' Nicks BBQ to eat dinner, which was AMAZING! I splurged on my diet and enjoyed myself. I tend to steer clear of counting calories on the weekend. I will weigh in next Thursday to see what I have lost thus far. :)

What are your plans for Easter Sunday? Do you have kids? If so, did you dye eggs? Anyone want to share some cool eggs? I would love to see your creations :)

We are going to be spending time with Timmy's family tomorrow. I'm bummed that is going to be rainy here in Georgia.. but spending time with the family is always fun. We do not have kids, but love to watch all of the family kiddos run around and find eggs.

I created a few Easter photos if you would like to steal them, feel free :)

I hope you have a wonderful Easter Sunday!

mamas are the sweetest!

I sure do LOVE my mama! Not because she buys me gifts, but because she is the most caring person I know. I told her that I did not want any kind of Easter gift this year.. i'm 25 years old, lol. But, what does she do? She comes today bearing Easter gifts. I LOVE my flowers! Its has been sooo long since I have had flowers &&& they smell so good! I told my husband a few years ago to stop getting me flowers, crazy huh?? It is not that I do not love flowers.. it is that MR. Alfred (my kitty) makes it nearly impossible to have anything I like. Most floral plants are poisonous to cats, and after so many scares and vet bills because he has allergies.. I banned flowers! Well, I just miss them so much. And now I have some! and they are now placed on my nightstand away from Alfred :) Are they gorgeous or what?? 

God Knows

As a Christian, I say.. LOVE ONE ANOTHER

But, some days are hard and you feel as if the world is against you..

God is not! Keep your head up beautiful!

Here is a FREE printable.. just for you

Keep Faith.. Everything will fall into place

Feel free to right click and save :)

Let me know in the comments, what you think and if you found this to be inspirational.

Chippy Clock

I came across one of the most charming clocks today! 
I can not wait to put a little decorative magic into it! 
Debating on the color & whether I want to distress it???
Any Ideas??
I will definitely post an after picture when it is complete :) 
Here is the BEFORE:

- Lelu

Feeling Frugal $

I'm feeling a lil' bit frugal today!

So I am going to spend time with my mom and grandmother 

bargain hunting!

Wish us luck on finding yard sales and good deals!

-Lelu

See what I found today, by clicking here :)

Hint.. the time is right! Click here - The time is right :)

427 Calorie Dinner & Dessert!

YUMM-O! A comforting dinner and dessert for 427 calories! You can't beat that! Well... maybe you can, but it probably consists of some kind of concoction that is not nearly as tasty ;) The "Loaded Mashed Cauliflower" comes to a total of 147 Calories per serving, 3 oz of Perdue Chicken is right around 160 calories per serving, and the brownie is 120 calories per serving! [[[SCORE]]]!!! I didn't even eat half of my meal before I FELT SUPER full and i'm guessing I consumed right around 300 calories! That is sure to knock my size 12 pants right off me before long... And hopefully I will be healthier, not feeling so groggy all the time! So I guess you are wondering, "How in the world do I make these delicious things for so little in the calorie department?" HAHA. Well here we go..

Gather your ingredients:

BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS:
160 Calories Per Serving
- Perdue Simply Smart Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips

(These can be found in the frozen section of your grocery store)

- Mustard or BBQ Sauce (BBQ sauce is not factored into the calories)

LOADED MASHED CAULIFLOWER: 
147 Calories Per Serving

- 2 bags frozen Cauliflower (30oz)

- Milk (I used whole, but you can use any kind you wish)

- Cheese (Use a reduced fat version)

- Bacon Bits or Pieces (found by salad dressings)

- Kosher Salt and Pepper

- Garlic Powder

- Low Calorie Butter

- 4 Ramekins (You do not have to have these, although they are helpful for portion control)

DR. PEPPER BROWNIES:
120 Calories Per Serving

- Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix

- Diet Dr. Pepper (I have a bottle pictured, but all you need is 10oz)

- Pam Spray (I used the coconut oil version)

- Cupcake liners

Cook Chicken, following directions on bag! 

While Chicken is cooking, boil the cauliflower in a large pot. I added 2 tbs of salt and 1 tbs of garlic to the water. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender/mashable! Pour into colander to get rid of water!

The chicken should be done and out of the oven! Now with an immersion blender, by hand or another type of mixer mix 1 tbs. butter, 1/4 cup milk, a few pinches of salt, a dash of garlic powder, and a dash of pepper into your mixture. Blend until smooth! 

Get your ramekins out and ready!

Fill Ramekins with Cauliflower mixture.

Top with 2 tbs. cheese and 1 tbs. Bacon Bits.

Bake in oven on 350degrees for 5 minutes!

Dinner is ready!

I served my chicken tenders with mustard and my husband smothered his with hot sauce. (0 Cals.)

DESSERT TIME!

Preheat the oven to temp on box!

& Have ingredients ready!

Dump brownie mix into bowl and add fudge packet. Then add 10 oz. Diet Dr. Pepper!

It will have a bubble volcano type effect! BUT will NOT overflow.

It will not be thick like a regular brownie batter mixture!

But in the end, you can't tell with the Brownie taste and texture :) 

I decided to make mine in a muffin pan with liners. 

This helps with portion control and clean up! 

I sprayed the inside of the cups so that the brownies would not stick!

Worked well :)

Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full. Makes 16 Brownies

(The actual serving recommendation! Yippee!)

Follow directions on box for timing! I cooked mine for 17 minutes.

There is no egg, so this recipe is not as scary to have gooey brownies with.

Enjoy a Brownie!

You deserve it!

-LeAnn R.

Getting Healthy!

So far, my diet has been going well! YAY! I have been dieting for around 2 weeks with some positive results! :) The last time I weighed in, a week ago I was down 3 pounds. The scale always holds a negative effect on my weight loss journeys, so I do not weigh in each day! I get discouraged very easily if I do not see positive results! and it also encourages me to eat unhealthy when I see positive.. But so far, I have been planning healthy meals and cooking more! It is always fun to try new recipes, so this encourages a healthy lifestyle! I made taco zucchini boats last night and they were super yummy! Let me know if you would like the recipe and I will be happy to upload it. I made it a little different and it turned out great! I think I may try the zucchini pizza slices next time! Anything that involves cheese.. I LOVE! TeeHee! How are your eating habits? Have any healthy recipes you would like to share?

A freebie printout to brighten your day!

You are my Sunshine, when skies are Grey :)

Every now and again we need a little pick me up to brighten our days! I hope your day is on the sunny side of things. If not, hopefully this FREE printout will brighten things up a bit! 

Love you all, LeAnn

PS. I made this to fit an 8x10 frame. (So if you decide to print, keep that in mind.. for best results ;) )

Looking for sweepstakes?

I have come across these sweepstakes across the web. I have won several sweepstakes in the past year.. A Grill/Smoker, Gift Cards, Gifts and so much more! You can too! I am going to start keeping up to date sweeps on my blog to make life easier for you and me to find! :) Enter and Win! The more you enter, the larger your chances of winning! Check your email daily to see if you have won! (Do not forget your spam folder!) 

------------------------------------------------

Fashion Tote Bag Giveaway: CLICK HERE to ENTER

Giveaway Ends 5/11/2016

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Dr. Pepper Soda Pop Cake! Low Calorie!

Does anyone else LOVE Dr. Pepper as much as me??

&&& Cake???

.... but happens to be dieting for the rapidly approaching summer months?

Well.. You can have cake!! And not feel sooo guilty!

Recipe:

- 1 box Betty Crocker Devil's Food Cake Mix

- 1 Can Diet Dr. Pepper

(you can also opt for a lower calorie cake mix, like the sugar free ones that are now an option)

Directions:

Bakes like a regular cake! Just follow the directions on the back of the box :) 

PS. Icing is an option and is not included in the calorie count. I have made it and topped with low calorie cool whip and maraschino cherries.. and it was GREAT! and still LOW CALORIE! LESS THAN 200 cals. per serving! 

The Dreadful Lady Day.. Relaxation? Sure!

WHEW! Today has been a day... I have not had a day like this in a long time! Usually I catch the cramps early, so they do not get bad.. NOT today! I had the shakes, the chills, and the not so fun pains! After 4 HOT bubble baths, 2 advils, and lying in bed with a heated blanket for 2 hours.. I think I have kicked the cramps away! I will definitely take an advil right when the pain starts on my next trip down the long dreaded journey next month! I try and not take meds, unless I absolutely need them and that is what caused all the terrors today! Anyone else experience the occasional unbearable menstrual cramps? Have any tips? My tips are below.. I swear by the ADVIL FILM COATED TABLETS and Walmart is selling them with a $1 off coupon attached! [[SCORE!]] and I love my heated blanket that my hubby purchased me from Target for Christmas! Both items can be found here:

Heated blanket - Now on sale, so you can score it for a great deal! I have the queen, but really a twin would work just fine and you can [[SCORE!]] one right now for the price of $12.24! (65% off) &&& if you spend $25 or more you can opt for free shipping :) Click HERE to order YOUR OWN BLANKET :)

Advil Film Coated Tablets - I love the film coated because they do not give me heartburn like regular Advil! I highly recommend them! You can find a better deal in store (because there is a $1 off coupon attached currently), but here is the link so you can read up ..or.. order them. :) Advil Film Coated Tablets - CLICK HERE

&&& maybe oneday I will have a claw foot tub! For now.. my garden tub works just fine! I think I may order a new candle to have ready for next time! Lavender is really relaxing, so I will probably purchase one in that scent.

Hope all is well with you :)
Wouldn't it be nice if us ladies could just have a normal day of relaxation, without all of the dreadful cramps, bloating, and all of the other things to go along with our visit!?

Tub graphic: http://www.canstockphoto.com/vector-clipart/cleanliness.html

JUST A little WINDOW SHOPPING

I am doing a little bit of window shopping online tonight. I love window shopping! Finding the best deals, learning about new items and new to me items has always been a hobby of mine. I remember spending time with my father, walking around stores.. catching up and checking out new items. Being a child of divorced parents was not always easy! But those days when we would meet up at the mall, catch a movie and walk around chatting always bring back good memories. I remember daddy calling to ask, "Do you want to go window shopping?" I truly believe that is what started my love for window shopping. It is free, helps stay active, and can score you some great deals! I am not out walking around at midnight, but I am shopping online.. reminiscing and looking forward to my future. I will share with you some of the great finds I have come across this evening :)

I love Sperry Flats! and these come in 3 different colors!
www.sperry.com - flats!
SON-R FLEX SLIP-ON SHOE
$36.95 Sale REG. $75!

Such a cute white desk for a great price! I love white furniture..
www.target.com - desk!
$59.48 REG. $169.99!

Need a wedding, birthday, Easter gift for someone! This is a beautiful necklace!
www.macys.com - necklace!
$9.99 REG. $65!

Need something pretty to spice up your home decor? Check out this lamp that is on sale for $32.84!
www.overstock.com - lamp!







Picture Source

Let's Get Healthy!

So.. last week, I decided to step on the dreadful scale! I thought to myself, "I know i've lost atleast 5 - 10 pounds since I weighed myself months ago! Nope! I gained 8 pounds, and I was already over what I called my weight LIMIT! So.. Today is day one of getting healthy! I am going to put up an embarrassing picture of myself, to motivate me! I want to get back to being that healthy 120 pound girl I used to be, although, I am now a 25 year old adult!

Now:

I do not usually keep the pictures where I have a fat chin and fat arms, but I love this picture! I love my niece so much! 

MY Goal:

120 pounds and fit :) Excuse my goofyness, I just can't help it!

Here is a more normal picture of myself, no goofyness here :) 

Starting weight 3/3/2015 : 155lbs.

Goal weight by 5/17/2016 : 135lbs.

Goal weight by 7/17/2016 : 125lbs.

The point of this blog is.. I want to get healthy and possibly motivate others! I am not wanting to be toothpick skinny or starving. I want to be HEALTHY, eating right and exercising my way to feeling better, health and beauty wise! So.. who wants to start this journey with me? Comment below <3

Feel free to leave healthy meal and snack ideas that I can create and mention in my blog. If you have a blog or find it on a website please leave me the url, for copyright purposes :)

Inspirational Blogging 3/2/16

So.. today I have realized many benefits of starting this new hobby of mine. Yes, blogging! I've always been a planner and a dreamer, but I've come to find.. as of today, that blogging will lead me to completing dreams, putting those plans to use! I decided to pay a visit to two of my favorite places today, Hobby Lobby and Michael's Craft Store. I love that they have good prices and that as soon as I walk in the doors, inspiration sparks! I purchased many things today AND only spent around $100! Things for the house, things to make, and things to put up for later use! I love finding deals that will save me money in the long run! My favorite find of the day was these awesome frames, totaling me around $35 before tax! Are they lovely or what? Please pay no nevermind to my husbands rowing machine in the background, i'm crippled and can't move it right now. And this being crippled thing is killing me.. Sorry for my shadow in the picture!

Hobby Lobby Frames on left & Michael's Frame on right :) 

So when the inspiration and creativity struck today, I realized.. I have viewers now! I want to show my finds and creations more! I think my house will end up either being model home material or a storage shed! Ha. But for the second day of blogging, I am looking more on the bright side... Time to learn new things, and improve life for me, my husband, and our sweet cat child!

OUR New Found Love.. Blogging

Hello. My name is LeAnn, although some call me Lelu. My husband, Tim and I have decided to join the world of blogging. We have been discussing this adventure for some time now &&& with help from our friend, http://mamasblessed.blogspot.com, we have finally found the motivation to do so! We have so many hobbies and will be posting many insights to our life in the near future. I love crafting, baking, saving money, entertaining, and spending time with my husband, cat child, and of course friends and family! Tim loves to spend time with friends and family and spends most of his free time grilling, gaming, playing guitar, and persuading our feline to love him more.. Jk. We love our cat, like he his human.. so therefore, you got it right.. he thinks he is human! We do not have children, yet.. but hope to start planning within the foreseeable future. Right now, we are just living one day at a time. Having fun. Learning about one another. <3







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